Physical Education
At Scoil na mBuachaillí, we are proud to be working towards our 3rd Active School Flag — a Department of Education initiative supported by Healthy Ireland that aims to help schools become more physically educated and physically active communities. The Active School Flag programme encourages schools to get “more active, more often,” and recognises the value we place on Physical Education and physical activity for all pupils.
Our school provides a minimum of 60 minutes of timetabled Physical Education per week for every class level, as part of our whole-school PE plan. Teachers ensure that all strands of the Primary PE Curriculum are taught yearly — with gymnastics selected as our priority strand for development — and planning ensures that lessons are inclusive, accessible and engaging for all pupils.
We use quality resources such as Move Well, Move Often to support delivery of the curriculum and strengthen fundamental movement skills (including walking, running, jumping, balancing, catching, throwing, kicking and more). Teachers collaborate, share best practice and build capacity across the school. PE equipment is well organised, clearly labelled and easily accessible to support effective teaching and learning.
Physical Education at our school also supports wider Active School Flag goals by:
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Integrating physical activity into the whole school day
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Teaching the Land PAWS Water Safety Programme annually
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Providing weekly PE-related homework to reinforce skills at home
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Sharing pupil progress with parents through PT meetings and annual reports
Strengthening PE plays a central role in our journey towards the Active School Flag, helping our pupils develop confidence, competence and a lifelong love of movement.
